The Perfect Vendor...

[FireSprint.com]

List a few things that makes a perfect vendor in the sign business... What can't you stand?

Of course I'm looking for input on ways we can become better that I might not have thought of yet, but I'm interested to see the discussion.

 

[TheSnowman]

I don't know if it's something I can't STAND or not...but someone with an easily navigated website, with pricing on it, and me just being able to smack out the order, know what I'm paying for shipping, and see my proof right there, I REALLY like.

 

[weaselboogie]

Following through with what they promised and a little bit extra.

 

[Locals Find!]

Customer service that answers the phone. Not some recorded phone tree that tells you to press 15 buttons just to sit on hold to talk to someone. Its annoying. I would rather talk to a live person and be told no one can help me because they are on another line and be asked to be put on hold or leave a message rather than just getting transferred directly to someones voicemail.

Seriously, though if you can get someone to answer the phone that is a big plus in my book suppliers that don't answer their phones I have a tendency to call last if at all.

 

[Pat Whatley]

Ditto what Kraig said on the website. I routinely pay a little more to my main supplier because their website is ridiculously simple (i.e. well designed) and they keep my credit card info on file.

I greatly appreciate it when a supplier discovers they don't have something in stock or there's going to be a problem they not only call me they already have options or solutions available.


It all boils down to making my job easy. When I find a vendor I can rely on, who makes ordering simplistic, and who handles potential problems before I have to I'll be extremely loyal to them. I rarely research prices anymore....I know who makes it easy for me to make money, I know what to expect from them, and I know how that relationship needs to effect my pricing.

 

[Bigdawg]

It all boils down to making my job easy. When I find a vendor I can rely on, who makes ordering simplistic, and who handles potential problems before I have to I'll be extremely loyal to them. I rarely research prices anymore....I know who makes it easy for me to make money, I know what to expect from them, and I know how that relationship needs to effect my pricing.

That's it right there in a nutshell. I don't want to have to think too hard about it - I want to be able to trust and rely on my vendors to take care of me like I try to take care of my customers.

Mistakes happen to even the best - but routinely making the same errors is one sure way to lose my business.

 

[ProWraps]

one that is a merchant member on s101! oh and chris at azprosigns. anyone that can print an entire bus, lam, trim and ship in 2 hours to my door the next day. yeah, has my vote.

 

[CentralSigns]

Stand behind your product. Right now Proveer is selling premask that has a problem in you can't wet install it. The backing and glue separate and give you a big mess. Their managers know it, but unless your a big fish they will not even talk to you. You would think they would offer an exchange at least. About all its good for is starting my fire, better than cedar kindling. The stuff stretches when you pull it as well defeating its purpose. I bought 4 rolls and got 2 left for kindling. So be better that your competition, I mentioned a few points for you.

 

[FireSprint.com]

Good stuff. I agree with Adtechia about the phone. I can't believe how often I'll call a local company and not get a person on the phone.

 

[ProWraps]

Stand behind your product. Right now Proveer is selling premask that has a problem in you can't wet install it. The backing and glue separate and give you a big mess. Their managers know it, but unless your a big fish they will not even talk to you. You would think they would offer an exchange at least. About all its good for is starting my fire, better than cedar kindling. The stuff stretches when you pull it as well defeating its purpose. I bought 4 rolls and got 2 left for kindling. So be better that your competition, I mentioned a few points for you.

just to be fair. their problem or yours? wet installs are problematic from the start. its an installer issue not so much a vendor/manufacturer issue. learn how to install dry and fix the problem.

 

[HulkSmash]

just to be fair. their problem or yours? wet installs are problematic from the start. its an installer issue not so much a vendor/manufacturer issue. learn how to install dry and fix the problem.

this.

and i'm sorry your branch of proveer does that.. ours is awesome..

 

[CentralSigns]

The spec sheet claims it is designed for wet installs. The rep told me that the problem I was having was a bad batch and that the manager would talk to me about it. They ended up brushing it under the carpet like avery did in the past. 30% of our installs are wet, too large a pieces or too few helpers. How do you dry install a 54'' by 16' foot piece of vinyl dry. Prowraps like to see ya do that dry, come on now.

 

[john1]

I use Habor, Beacon and Fellers and have excellent luck. Now i don't order as much as a lot on here but my orders are always handled very well and arrive within 1-2 business days.

What i like is someone who answers the phone, has answers to my questions on substrates and things i may not be familiar with and is fair priced. The info on products i am not familar with goes a long way. Shows they are not just taking your money but also there to help you so you and the vendor can both grow.

 

[GAC05]

The spec sheet claims it is designed for wet installs. The rep told me that the problem I was having was a bad batch and that the manager would talk to me about it. They ended up brushing it under the carpet like avery did in the past. 30% of our installs are wet, too large a pieces or too few helpers. How do you dry install a 54'' by 16' foot piece of vinyl dry. Prowraps like to see ya do that dry, come on now.

I think it depends on the material and what it is going on.
We did 2 horizontal panels on a 40ft bus dry without too much drama.
Main panel was 52"x40' on each side. One guy with an extra pair of hands to get it taped up in place at the start.
I wouldn't try too large of a panel dry if it was frosted vinyl on glass.

wayne k
guam usa

 

[Typestries]

Great thread FireSprint. Like you, we are always looking to improve. Having our phones answered during business hours is pri #1.

 

[CanuckSigns]

have staff on the order desk thank actually know about the products they are selling!! I can't tell you how many times i've asked a question about which product would be best for a certain application, only to hear "i dunno"

 

[genericname]

Not just a person answering the phone, but answering the phone at all. Seriously, why should I have to work to give someone my money? If you don't like taking money, don't be in business at all.

 

[genericname]

Oh, and up to date contact information on a navigable website. Nothing erodes my confidence in a vendor quicker than finding out their listed 800 number doesn't actually exist. (not an experience I've had with anyone here)

 

[Marlene]

I have some really great Vendors. Grimco for one. Hyatts is another.

 

[Border]

one that is a merchant member on s101! oh and chris at azprosigns. anyone that can print an entire bus, lam, trim and ship in 2 hours to my door the next day. yeah, has my vote.

This! Can't possibly say enough great things about their business model at AZ Pro Signs.
They make ME look good!